Rush FAQ

Q. What is SAI?

A. Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, was organized in 1903 "to form chapters of music students and musicians who shall, by their influence and their musical interest, uphold the highest ideals of musical education; to raise the standard of productive musical work among the women students of colleges, conservatories, and universities." Currently, SAI's membership includes 212 active college chapters and 121 alumnae chapters, producing a total of 105,376 initiated members.

Q. What kinds of opportunities are available to SAI members?

A. SAI Philanthropies, Inc., offers national scholarships to members for undergraduate, graduate, and summer studies. With alumnae chapters all over the country as well as many international members, SAI offers many contacts in the field of music and in virtually every other profession imaginable. Members of Beta Chapter enjoy performance opportunities, practice space, housing, and a great group of sisters ready to support them in their musical and other endeavors.

Q. What kinds of activities does Beta Chapter do?

A. Beta chapter is a very active SAI chapter. We have a chapter meeting once a week on Sundays at 7pm, where we have a business meeting and a choir rehearsal. Every quarter, we hold a recital in which the choir sings and all SAIs are able to perform. SAI has many musical groups, including Ladies in Red (our a cappella group), SAI Flute Choir, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Band.

We hold at least one philanthropic event every quarter. Some of these events include helping Girl Scouts earn music badges, performing at local retirement homes, and volunteering at the Music Institute of Chicago. Throughout the year, Beta chapter organizes a variety of social events, including munchies every week, barbeques, a formal in the spring, and trips to on-campus and Chicago musical events.

Q. Where have I seen Betas around campus?

A. Collectively, you may have seen us selling roses on Valentine's Day, playing intramural softball, or working at DM fundraisers such as a haunted house and a pancake breakfast. Individually, we perform at Ryan Field as members of the NU Marching Band, on stage at Pick-Staiger with every ensemble from Concert Band to Symphonic Wind Ensemble (conducted by Beta alum Dr. Mallory Thompson!), and on stage and behind the scenes of the Waa-Mu show. Betas do it all!

Q. Who is eligible for membership in SAI? Do I have to be a music major?

A. To be eligible for membership in Sigma Alpha Iota, you must be a currently enrolled student of Northwestern (carrying 3 or more credits) with a cumulative GPA of 2.50. You must have taken or be enrolled in at least one NU music class, performing ensemble, or private lesson.

Q. Can freshmen rush? What about seniors?

A. Freshmen women (those enrolled in their first quarter at NU) are NOT eligible for Fall Rush due to University and National SAI regulations. Freshmen are, however, allowed to come to any fall rush events they may wish and are eligible to rush in Winter Quarter when another recruitment period will take place. Students from all other years are encouraged to attend our events. We have had members who pledged as late as Winter Quarter of their senior year!

Q. Can I be a member of SAI and another sorority?

A. Absolutely! Since Sigma Alpha Iota is not a member of Panhel, we have many sisters who are active members in both a Panhellenic sorority and SAI. Our chapter meetings are held on Sunday nights so they do not conflict with Panhellenic chapter meetings and we try to be as flexible as possible when there are event conflicts.

Q. What is the rush process like?

A. SAI Rush consists of three events: an informal party where we chat and eat, a formal party where we chat, eat and listen to performances by Beta members, and a formal luncheon. At these events, you get to meet the sisters and learn more about our chapter. As they are open events, no previous sign-up is necessary and you are free to attend parts of one or both as your schedule permits (although of course we encourage you to spend as much time with us as possible). If you are unable to fully participate, please do not hesitate to contact our VP-Membership to see if we can make other arrangements!

Q. What happens after pledging?

A. The member-in-training period is focused on education, fun, and bonding with your future SAI sisters. It takes place over the course of about 6-8 weeks. There are one or two hour-long group meetings every week, called MIT lessons. At these meetings you get to know the other women in your class, as well as the active members. You learn the history, tradition, and principles of our fraternity. At the end of the period, you must take and pass a national exam. Every MIT also performs (alone or with a group - nothing to be worried about!) in a MIT recital and participates in a service project.

Q. What are the costs of membership?

A. The MIT fee, which includes the Manual for Members and the SAI Songbook, is $50. The fee for initiation is $200.00. This includes the National Initiation fee, the badge fee (for your 10k gold SAI pin), and $12.50 for a half year of National Dues.

Beta dues for the full year are $195 and break down as follows:

$45 Beta dues per quarter = $135 per year
$15 composite fee
$25 national dues
$20 out-of-house fee (Waived if living in house)

These dues are payable on a flexible schedule if necessary.

Q. What are the obligations of membership?

A. Attendance at weekly chapter meeting/choir rehearsal, as well as other events such as rush, philanthropies, and fundraising, is required. Excused absences include performances and classes. Flexible attendance plans are available under certain circumstances. Members must perform once a quarter, either at the chapter recital or at a monthly musicale. Although we encourage all members to live in the SAI house at some point, there is no "housing requirement."